Jávea has long been called Amanecer de España, Dawn of Spain, because it occupies the far point of land looking eastward over the Mediterranean Sea. Jávea is embedded between 2 bays and is overlooked by Mont Mongó, which is Arabic for sleeping elephant. The mountain rises 753 metres above sea level and from certain angles resembles a sleeping elephant, hence the name.

The World Health Organisation named it as one of the healthiest in the world and there are more recorded hours of sunshine per year on this little point of land than any other place in spain.

Jávea is divided into three parts: Jávea Pueblo (the old town); Jávea Puerto (the busy port area); and Playa de Arenal (the main beach area). Today the old town and the port are pretty much joined due to the property development which has gone on in the town whilst Playa de Arenal lies some 3km along a rocky beach from the Port.

Jávea Old Town

The Medieval Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, small plazas and whitewashed buildings decorated with wrought iron grills and balconies, worth passing a few hours at one morning. Take a look at the busy food market with its stalls of fresh fish and fruits and vegetables from around the region. Visit the Gothic fortified church of San Bartolomé, a listed National Atristic Monument, dating back to the 15th Century.

Jávea Port

Jávea still functions as a fully working fishing port, the fishing fleet provides daily fresh fish to the area.
The modern Nautical Club has a large marina and there are facilities for all kinds of water sports, including sailing, fishing, scuba diving, water skiing and windsufing. There is a glass bottom boat which goes down the coast to Calpe and also a boat to Ibiza.
It is a popular area with visitors attracted by its promenade with open air terrace restaurants and local bars over looking the pebble beach of La Grava.
The views across the bay are wonderful.

Playa de Arenal

The Arenal is Jávea's beach area with beautiful golden sand and a blue flag for cleanliness. Surrounded by dozens of restaurants and bars, set back from the wide promenade, offering a wide variety of food, drink and entertainment. There are volleyball nets along the back of the beach which are popular later in the day and plenty of play areas for the kids.

Things to do in Jávea

There are plenty of things to do when you've finished whiling days away on the beach.
Jávea has 2 golf courses, an abundance of water sports, scuba diving among the most popular, trekking, horse riding, 2 tennis clubs with swimming pools to name a few.
If that seems a little too hectic you can take the kids for a game of crazy golf or go to the go-kart track. There is also a small fair ground with a trampolining area.
If you're looking for a little something extra for the kids take them to any of the Benidorm theme parks of Terra Mitica, Mundomar (marine and exotic animal park) or the Aqualandia waterpark.

You can find more information on the official Jávea tourism board's website.